Really liked this one
I have to say, I agree with some previous reviews that liked this right from the start. I'm a long time fan, and while this collection maybe isn't quite as blatantly catchy, or "hooky", it is low fi, has a great gritty feel to it, and I identify with it. My only critique is that it winds up feeling a little similar after while, but the ultimate tes is whether you go back and keep playing an album or cd, and this passes the test. I'm looking forward to seeing them live this month, and I think this release will bring fans close to them in that type of setting.

Keep listening
Mountain Battles is a great follow up album by the Breeders. It has been 14 years since we've heard their most popular album, Last Splash (93-94). I didn't buy their last album, so cannot comment on it, but I do recognize the old Last Splash Breeders is now a different group, with new members along with old. This album has some good tunes that ignite interest right away, and a couple that need more listening. I'm glad I bought this record, overall, and would recommend it to other Breeders lovers.

It's Good to See These Sisters Reunite
As one of indie-rock's shiners, Kim Deal has made a name for herself, not only with the Breeders, but also because before that she was the bassist for The Pixies. The Pixies were an excellent band, but Kim Deal didn't get to showcase herself as much as she wanted, so that's when she started The Breeders.

In the early '90's they became known due to their single "Cannonball", which most rock fans have heard. So now over a decade later and after a Pixies reunion The Breeders have had a reunion as well, bringing us "Mountain Battles". It's the first album reuniting her with her talented sister Kelley in six years.

The album features the title track "We're Gonna Rise" that takes the Breeders sound into a slightly different style, more psychedelic, with her vocals sounding a bit tranquilized as well with the song "Spark". The band rocks out slightly harder with numbers like "It's The Love" and "German Studies", with their pulsating bass lines and interesting melodies. The album finishes out with "Here No More" with it's country harmonies. It's good to see these sisters reunite on this album.

Pleasant Surprise!
I'll keep it short and sweet - I truly think this is easily their second best CD ever. I don't think they'll ever top "Last Splash", but I enjoy this one better than all of the rest. It did take me 2-3 or three listens to get into it too for some reason, but I'm glad I did get into it finally.

Left me hungry for more... That's a GOOD thing!
Like many people, I've been a Breeders fan since I heard Canonball.
I always thought Last Splash was a great album. Then I heard Pod, which just hit me as a classic!

After buying Title TK (and loving it), I came to the conclusion that the "real" Breeders weren't really about fast-paced alternative power-pop and radio-friendly songs (like Canonball) as I had initially thought. They're much better than that and Mountain Battles proves it.

The minimalistic approach to songwriting and playing makes the songs on this album very concise and bare. They are melody in its most concentrated form, so I'm a little surprised by reviewers claiming that there is no melody. It's so stripped of everything superfluous that all that's left IS melody. Yes it's lethargic, and no, it's not for everyone, and especially not for those expecting another "Last Splash".

I did have to a listen to it a few times to appreciate it, and I now feel that it's the best Breeders album since Pod. I just love the song "Spark". The album is a natural, positive evolution from Title TK.

It leaves me wanting more, in a positive way, like a great movie you don't want to see end.

Kim Deal's songwriting genius is at a peak, and yes... she's cool.